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LOST
AND FOUND
AKA:
Lost & Found
Year:
1996 Reviewer: Andrew
Saroch
It's
a common misconception that Hong Kong cinema is completely
devoted to 'brainless' action films and respects little else.
This opinion has been constantly echoed by western critics and
even some local reviewers, but the truth is that there is much
more than this genre. Hong Kong makes action films that
astonish the rest of the world, but there is also a very
emotional and deeply effecting style of cinema that exists
there. 'Lost And Found' could definitely be described as
emotional, genuinely touching and also strangely haunting - a
style that few have mastered around the globe.
Kelly
(Chen) is the beautiful and well-educated daughter of a
wealthy shipping magnate. Life seems to be relatively free of
strife until she discovers that she has a brain tumour that
cannot be operated upon. With the medicine taking its toll on
her health and her outer dignity, Kelly chooses to abandon the
treatment and focus on living her last months in a worthwhile
way. A chance meeting puts her into contact with 'That Worm' (Kaneshiro)
- a slightly eccentric young man who specialises in finding
missing items. Learning of this unusual craft, the
ex-socialite asks 'That Worm' for help finding a missing
person: a sailor who once worked for her father and told her
about an island of immense beauty off the coast of Scotland.
This task proves to be quite difficult as the sailor's
whereabouts are not accurately known. However, Kelly finds
herself being drawn ever closer into the world of 'That Worm'
and his colleagues, a world where society's 'misfits' are
united. She also begins to help them with their new cases and
discovers how their work can often offer the only chance of
hope to some unfortunates. As her time runs out though she
finds the hope she herself needed and meets the subject of her
search. Now Kelly must use her remaining moments to uncover
the meaning of her life and the things that are important to
her.
'Lost
And Found' comes complete with a formidable reputation as a
very unique piece of work. Indeed it's difficult to categorise
this excellent production; there are certain elements that
belong to the romantic genre, but there is also drama and
other qualities that defy explanation. Cantonese singing star
Kelly Chen gives a well-measured performance that deserves
critical attention and recognition, as do co-stars Takeshi
Kaneshiro and even the much-maligned Michael Wong. The cast
also features smaller roles for such reliable stars as Jordan
Chan, Cheung Tat Ming and Maria Codero - all of which prove
successful in their parts.
Although
the cast rightfully deserve the previously stated credit, the
film's real strength is its genuine sense of humanity.
Director Lee Chi Ngai has crafted a film that contains some
scenes of immense beauty that will stay with the discerning
viewer for weeks after watching them. In particular is the
sequence concerning the rose garden; a very effective twenty
minute slot of the film. The episodic nature of the middle of
the film helps lift moments like this to a level of definite
merit. Another feather in the cap of 'Lost And Found' is the
superb ensemble of characters and the highly developed
interaction they enjoy. Included within these are the parts
played by the three leads and the numerous incidental
characters, all of which contribute to this success. The film
is not deserving of full marks though as it does briefly
meander into a cul-de-sac somewhere near its middle section.
These moments show a brief lack of control by director Lee Chi
Ngai, but it isn't long before the film is back on course.
'Lost
And Found' is a highly recommended film that verges on real
beauty. Unique and powerful.
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